Bethlehem, Pa. (February 23, 2011) – Dennis J. Costello, General Manager of the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, is pleased to announce the recovery of original documents and photographs from the original opening of the Hotel Bethlehem in 1922.These records chronicle the early history of the hotel and are a remarkable narration of times gone by.They include early notes and correspondence in relation to the design, construction and opening of the hotel.There are some fascinating details, such as a letter from a local citizen suggesting a name for the new hotel, “The Hotel Zinzendorf”.The collection has priceless photographs, as well as some significant artifacts, among them, a handwritten letter from Charles M. Schwab, numerous photographs of renovations throughout the years, advertising dated to the early 1920’s as well as photos of the former General Managers and hotel staff members.Most of the information is in the form of large leather scrapbooks and ledgers from the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s.

The biggest surprise of all is a photograph from the 1920’s showing a door in the hotel’s lower lobby, (which now leads to a storage room) that very clearly depicts a bar or saloon.This discovery is made even more interesting because in the 1920’s prohibition was in effect, leading one to believe that the hotel housed a speakeasy.

In addition to the above mentioned articles and artifacts, there are two relics that date back to the nineteenth century, they are the original deeds from the Moravian Eagle Hotel, the first from 1851, when the Eagle was sold to Caleb and Mary Yohe and the second from 1874, when the Yohe’s retired and sold the hotel to George Meyers.Both of these documents have been donated to the Moravian Archives for proper restoration and preservation.

The Historic Hotel Bethlehem is located in Bethlehem, Pa.It is in the heart of Bethlehem’s nationally registered historic district.The hotel is a proud member of Historic Hotel’s of America.Experience world-class service, charming guest accommodations and award winning cuisine, all on a site that has been warmly welcoming guests since 1741.

For more information for please contact Kelly Ronalds, Director of Sales and Marketing for The Historic Hotel Bethlehem at (610) 625-2210, or visit our Website at www.hotelbethlehem.com.